prevention of mould and other damage in archives and libraries

Preventive measures protect valuable objects from harm and minimise damage.

There’s no such thing as foolproof protection against damage and loss. However, the right preventive measures mitigate risk: they reduce the likelihood that damage will occur, and they limit loss should disaster strike.

1. Analysis

Successful prevention begins with an analysis of the status quo. Our experts evaluate existing safety measures and risk factors as well as internal processes such as organisational safety. Only by taking a holistic view and understanding how various elements are interconnected can we gauge the actual risk and offer an assessment. We then document our findings and recommendations on risk reduction in an expert report.

2. Emergency response plan

Clear guidelines and a well-stocked emergency kit are essential so that you know how to act and have all the necessary tools at hand, no matter what the situation. Developing and introducing an emergency response plan takes time and costs money. Nevertheless – when compared with the consequences of water, fire or mould damage – it’s a worthwhile investment.

3. Emergency equipment

Having quick access to basic emergency equipment and the right materials for properly packaging damaged objects saves time and improves the quality of remediation – all at a lower cost.

4. Emergency response skills

With the right know-how, you and your team will be able to react correctly in emergency situations. We recommend our courses in emergency response skills.